Top 7 Principles in Industrial Lighting

Energy consumption for lighting is an important part of the energy consumption of an industrial plant. In the steel, mining, smelting and other rough processing industries, lighting energy consumption is often more than 15% of the overall energy consumption; in the automotive, pharmaceutical, electronics and other fine manufacturing industries it can take more than 30% of the overall energy consumption. Efficient, high-quality lighting systems not only can significantly reduce energy consumption, but also can ensure the safety of the production environment, improve work efficiency, enhance the corporate image, and bring immeasurable hidden benefits to the enterprise.

Make Good Use of Natural Light

In industrial lighting, making full use of natural light is an effective way of achieving energy efficiency and good lighting effects. When using natural light, it is worth noting the following tips:

• Avoid direct light and other glare from light into the operator’s line of sight.

• Avoid sharp changes in illumination during the daytime.

• Make sure that there is even illumination in the workplace.

Give Priority to High Luminous Efficiency Lights

Energy saving industrial lighting is not only a good way to reduce costs, but also a developing trend and is linked to corporate social responsibility. The adoption of high luminous efficiency lights and the control technology to improve lighting effects is therefore essential. Lighting should not only meet the required brightness for production, but also offer a comfortable working environment, so as to increase production and reduce accidents. LED technology is increasingly mature, with advantages including high efficiency and a long lifespan, and thus has become the first choice for industrial lighting.

Different Lighting Solutions for Different Heights

Industrial plants with large machinery usually utilize a combination of high efficiency, high luminous flux LED high bay lights and some spot lights. When the installation height is over 10m, lighting with a combination of LED high bay lights and LED flood lights has been found to be superior to traditional lighting fixtures.

When the installation height is between 5-10m, lamps with medium-type or wide-type light distribution are recommended. These include LED high bay lights and LED linear lights.

Low proof industrial plants, usually with an installation height of 2-4m, are mostly small production lines or assembly lines. With warm white light sources, high CRI and high light efficiency, LED T8 tubes can meet all the lighting requirements needed.

Select Lights with Right CRI and Color Temperature

In some manufacturing processes, where staff need to identify the color of mechanical equipment, observe safety signs, or conduct color checks, lights with the right temperature and CRI are essential, otherwise working efficiency and even the safety of workers may be affected.

Make Sure There’s Enough LUX

In order to create a good working environment, improve labor productivity and product quality, and to protect the safety of staff, workplace and other places where activities are conducted must have sufficient illumination. In the lighting design, illumination must comply with the corresponding standards to guarantee there is enough lux, while meanwhile avoiding unnecessary energy waste.

Control the Glare

Glare refers to high-intensity interference light that is emitted into the field of vision, which may affect vision and lead to dizziness. It may even affect the health of workers and work efficiency. In industrial lighting design, direct glare and high-brightness reflection glare should be avoided. Glare can be reduced by diffusing light, angle the lights so that the light isn’t shining directly into staff’s eyes, reduce the brightness contrast by lighting the surround can be another effective way to reduce glare.

Lighting Requirements for Special Production Occasions

In industrial plants that are producing, using, processing or storing flammable liquids, fibers and other combustible materials, attention should be paid to avoid sparks caused by lamps, and avoid any fires caused by lamp overheating. In these types of industrial plants, lighting with explosion-proof lamps is appropriate.

If inside a workshop where the humidity is high, or one with certain corrosive items inside, or where there is a large amount of dust, you should consider tri-proof (waterproof, anti-corrosion, and dust-proof) lights with the proper IP degree. See iLUXZ tri-proof light fixtures with IP 65.

For high temperature places (such as a heating furnace), it is better to have a layout with a narrow beam angle spot lights, note that the lamp cannot be installed directly over the heating source.